Standards and Requirements

Kimberly-Clark weaves supplier stewardship into the fabric of our business by maintaining a resilient supply chain that includes supplier relationships with like-minded business and economic values, social compliance and corporate sustainability adoption.

Stewardship Standards for Suppliers outline Kimberly-Clark's commitment to operating in an environmentally, ethical and socially responsible manner. We expect our suppliers to adopt these same commitments when working with us.

Go to Supplier Social Compliance Standards to learn more about the Kimberly-Clark Code of Conduct and Supplier Social Compliance agreements we expect our suppliers to embrace and demonstrate when conducting business with us.

Supplier Requirements provides a glance at the variety of agreements and commitments suppliers will be responsible for when interacting with Kimberly-Clark. Acknowledgement of these requirements is expected.

Stewardship Standards for Suppliers

Kimberly-Clark is committed to operating in an environmentally, ethically and socially responsible manner. This commitment includes maintaining safe facilities and operations, as well as providing goods and services that are safe and minimize environmental burdens throughout their life cycle.

Our suppliers play a key role in this commitment.

Kimberly-Clark’s Stewardship Standards for Suppliers formalizes the expectations that we require of our suppliers in the areas of:

Quality

Full Materials Disclosure

Conflict Minerals

Fiber Procurement

Fragrances and Essential Oils

Animal Testing

Management of Restricted Substances

Kimberly-Clark regards these Stewardship Standards as a total supply chain initiative, and thus to be compliant, we expect our suppliers to pass these standards down to their suppliers to ensure conformance throughout the supply chain.

Further, suppliers must operate in full compliance with the laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate. When local laws and regulations are less restrictive than these standards, suppliers are expected to adhere to Kimberly-Clark’s standards.

Failure to comply with internationally recognized standards and the standards highlighted here will result in a review and possible termination of the supplier's contract.

Quality

Policy Statement

It is the policy of Kimberly-Clark to design, manufacture and deliver products which meet or exceed customer expectations for quality, performance and value.

Kimberly-Clark requires high quality for all purchased materials, products and services that consistently meet customer’s and consumer’s needs, perform as intended and are safe for their intended use.

It is the intent of this policy to:

Establish accountability for quality management;

Provide a common framework for the establishment and communication of quality practices; and

Conduct regular assessment of quality practices to promote continuous process, product and service improvement, and to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Our suppliers directly share in the responsibility to ensure that the highest degree of focus is taken to meet or exceed all specified safety, compliance, and quality requirements. These product specifications and quality requirements may be defined in a supply agreement and a quality agreement as agreed by a Kimberly-Clark company and its external supplier.

Supplier Requirements for Full Material Disclosure

Policy Statement

It is the policy of Kimberly-Clark to provide products and services that recognize a sincere and proper regard for public safety through regular assessment to ensure that they meet current regulatory requirements and public safety expectations.

Supply chain transparency is critical for managing rising levels of risk in an environment where corporate supply chain practices are attracting increasing legal, regulatory, and consumer scrutiny. Therefore, Kimberly-Clark will collect substance information for its materials, ingredients, products, and packaging.

We gather the full chemical composition from the supply chain to not only confirm safety and regulatory compliance, but to also enable us to proactively respond to emerging new regulations and chemicals of concern.

To facilitate supply chain transparency, Kimberly-Clark requires:

Upon request, supplier will provide full material disclosure (100%) of the chemical composition of all materials, ingredients, products and packaging provided to Kimberly-Clark. Full material disclosure includes the trade name, supplier name, and concentration of each component.

Supplier will provide additional documentation and data such as, but not limited to, certifications, letters of compliance, and test data as requested to demonstrate or verify compliance.

Supplier will provide reasonable access to information on downstream component suppliers for the purpose of obtaining full material disclosure. Supplier will, at no additional charge, provide Kimberly-Clark such assistance as they may reasonably require.

Supplier will notify Kimberly-Clark prior to any compositional change.

Kimberly-Clark responsibly sources all of the wood fiber used in our products and packaging. It is Kimberly-Clark’s intent to only source environmentally responsible fiber which includes recycled fiber, sustainable alternative non-wood fibers (e.g. bamboo, wheat straw) and virgin wood fiber from suppliers that have had their forestry operations or wood fiber procurement activities certified to one of the internationally-recognized forest certification schemes such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Supplier Fiber Certification

In the event that a supplier to Kimberly-Clark does not have certification of its forest lands or wood fiber procurement activities, the supplier will be given reasonable time to achieve certification.

If a supplier is not in compliance with any applicable provisions of this policy, we will take appropriate action to address such non-compliance, which may include (i) an action plan for compliance or (ii) termination or non-renewal of the supply contract. Upon request, supplier must provide data demonstrating compliance.

Fragrances and Essential Oils

Kimberly-Clark offers products that are scented and also scent-free options to meet the needs of our customers and consumers. Our fragrances are created taking into account our internal safety standards, as well as the safety standards set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA).

For fragrance compliance, Kimberly-Clark suppliers will:

Provide a statement of compliance with IFRA standards for the relevant conditions of use for the current issuance of IFRA amendments.

Provide information for the purposes of determining regulatory compliance and safety assessment.

Comply with the current Kimberly-Clark Fragrance and Essential Oil Standard.

All of our fragrances must comply with the safety standards of the International Fragrance Association and the IFRA Code of Practice, which take into account numerous factors including chemical composition, variety of use, volume of use, usage concentration and more.

The IFRA standards currently restrict the use of more than 170 substances due to their chemical profile. For more information about IFRA go to www.ifraorg.org.

Animal Testing

Kimberly-Clark does not test our products or ingredients on animals unless required by law, regulation, or a governmental authority or unless no alternative method is available to ensure human safety prior to product use.

We are committed to using alternative methods thereby ending the need for animal testing. We continue our investment and collaboration with independent research programs seeking to improve current non-animal assays and discovery of novel alternative methods.

Management of Restricted Substances

Kimberly-Clark has rigorous safety and quality requirements, and we are proud of our long track record of producing safe products. This commitment to safety includes the ingredients used in our products.

We maintain a Restricted Substances List to ensure a consistent, global approach to safeguarding our consumers and the environment from exposure to ingredients of potential concern. And, we are committed to reducing or eliminating restricted substances and to implementing the use of alternatives through our continuous research and development efforts.

Restricted Substances Management at Kimberly-Clark is based on the following principles:

Maintain a Restricted Substances List (RSL) for Kimberly-Clark products that contains restricted (limits established by product or material) and prohibited ingredients relevant to Kimberly-Clark products. Suppliers should note that the Kimberly-Clark RSL represents a small subset of chemicals that we prohibit. There are many more chemicals that we would prohibit but do not list since they would not be considered for use in the products we produce.

Formally review substances and ingredients in our products to ensure they meet current regulatory requirements and public safety expectations.

Proactively monitor and assess new information regarding ingredients published by scientific research and regulatory agencies globally, including public perception, to ensure the RSL remains current.

Provide an active process for identification, review and communication of the RSL to enable the proactive development of business strategies to remove and/or reduce specific chemicals of concern, and advance safer alternatives, in some instances above and beyond regulatory requirements.

Collaborate with supply chain partners to reduce, eliminate, or manage chemicals identified by Kimberly-Clark on the RSL.

We require our suppliers to adhere to the Kimberly-Clark RSL, and to have processes and systems in place to ensure compliance.

Supplier Social Compliance Standards

We believe that shared values and commitments must serve as the foundation for our supplier relationships. Our Supplier Social Compliance Standards outlines expectations for suppliers to demonstrate a fair, safe and healthy workplace, as well as safeguard business integrity.

The Supplier Social Compliance Standards are driven by the belief that good corporate citizenship is essential to our long-term business success, and must be reflected in our relationships and actions in our workplaces and the workplaces of those who are authorized to directly supply our business.

We expect our suppliers to review these standards, and to develop and implement appropriate actions to ensure compliance to these standards. In addition, Kimberly-Clark routinely assesses supplier compliance to these standards.

Read more about Kimberly-Clark’s Supply Chain programs, and how Kimberly-Clark works with suppliers to meet our standards of performance for human rights, labor rights, employee safety, anti-corruption and environmental protection.

Business Gratuities

Business gratuities, which include anything of value, such as gifts, meals, or entertainment, can strengthen working relationships with our business partners. We avoid even the appearance of making business decisions based on business gratuities. We are committed to winning business on the quality of our products and solutions. We would always rather lose the business than secure it through an improper payment.

OUR ESSENTIAL COMMITMENTS

We do not give or ask for business gratuities to make the other person feel obligated to do something in return

We limit giving or receiving business gratuities to what is reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances and avoid frequent gifts to or from the same person or company, consistent with our Code and Business Gratuities Policy

We make sure that any business gratuity given or received complies with our Business Gratuities Policy, and we obtain approval, when required, by completing the Business Gratuities Disclosure Form

We do not offer, promise, make, or authorize the giving of anything of value to a government official that is inconsistent with our Code and Anti-Corruption Policy

If we make charitable donations, we do so in accordance with K-C policy to support legitimate charitable causes, not as part of an exchange of favors

This information is excerpted from the Kimberly-Clark Code of Conduct. The Kimberly-Clark Code of Conduct is posted on our external website and can be shared freely with suppliers and others.

Addressing the UK Modern Slavery Act and the California Transparency In Supply Chain Act

Kimberly-Clark Corporation reviews its product supply chains to evaluate and address the risks of human trafficking and forced labor. We confirm a key supplier's compliance with standards for human trafficking and forced labor through one or more of: (i) a supplier's declaration of compliance; (ii) an inspection by Kimberly-Clark personnel; or (iii) an independent third-party audit. We also audit our key suppliers to ensure that their practices comply with applicable national laws regarding human trafficking and forced labor.

Kimberly-Clark's Code of Conduct establishes the company's expectations and creates accountability for our people with respect to human rights and other ethical concerns.

Similarly, we have published Supplier Social Compliance Standards that sets forth our principles and procedures to hold suppliers, employees, and contractors accountable for combating forced labor and human trafficking. Kimberly-Clark provides training on human trafficking and forced labor for its employees and managers with direct responsibility for our supply chain. The training includes a strong focus on identifying and mitigating risks.

Anti-Trust Compliance

Policy Statement

It is the policy of Kimberly-Clark not to violate or appear to violate antitrust laws.

It is the intent of this policy to:

Prohibit agreements or understandings with any competitor regarding the production, marketing or sale of Kimberly-Clark’s products and services, including any agreements or understandings to restrict production, allocate customers or markets or fix prices or other terms and conditions of sale.

Prohibit discussions with any competitor about Kimberly-Clark’s production, marketing, sales and other business plans or practices except for a bona fide transaction of purchase or sale with a competitor, or issues of public safety.

Prohibit any pricing or other practice having for its purpose the destruction of a competitor or of competition.

Assign responsibility to each manager for ensuring compliance with this policy.

All suppliers who act on behalf of Kimberly-Clark are expected to comply with this policy and avoid actions intended to influence or obtain an improper advantage.

Sustainability Policies

Kimberly-Clark's sustainability policies outline our commitment to operating in an environmentally, ethical and socially responsible manner. We expect our suppliers to adopt these same commitments when working with us.

Protection of Environment
It is the policy of Kimberly-Clark to design, manufacture and deliver its products and to operate its business in a way that protects the biosphere and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources upon which our businesses and stakeholders depend, including forests, water supplies and energy resources.

Fiber Procurement
It is the policy of Kimberly-Clark to conduct its businesses with a sincere and proper regard for the need to sustain natural resources used in the manufacture of the Corporation’s products. Kimberly-Clark responsibly sources all of the wood fiber used in our products and packaging. It is Kimberly-Clark’s intent to only source environmentally responsible fiber which includes recycled fiber, sustainable alternative non-wood fibers (e.g. bamboo, wheat straw) and virgin wood fiber from suppliers that have had their forestry operations or wood fiber procurement activities certified to one of the internationally-recognized forest certification schemes such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Human Rights in Employment
It is the policy of Kimberly-Clark to recruit, promote and support the professional development of a diverse global work force. Further, it is the policy of Kimberly-Clark to promote and support human rights, including equal employment opportunities, and to recognize universal human rights on a global basis. We encourage the abolition of discriminatory laws and practices, and prohibit discrimination and/or harassment based on race, ethnicity, color, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, creed, national origin, disability, legally protected leave, veteran status, political opinion, and other categories protected by applicable law.

Waste Minimization and Landfill Elimination
It is the policy of Kimberly-Clark to reduce, reuse and recycle manufacturing waste and to continuously improve its processes to avoid the need for landfill of such wastes and to design its products and packaging in a way that reduces the volume and weight of materials destined for disposal.

Supplier Requirements

To maintain a mutually beneficial and collaborative relationship, Kimberly-Clark requires certain standards and agreements with our supplier partners. Before conducting business with Kimberly-Clark, a supplier must acknowledge their commitment to comply with relevant standards and agreements.

While a supplier will have directives, non-disclosures, and/or terms and conditions specific to their contract, the following is a list of standard requirements. You will be guided by your Kimberly-Clark contact to submit applicable documents. More may be required, including region-specific standards.

Anti-Corruption Compliance

As a global company, Kimberly-Clark is subject to the laws of all countries in which we operate. We are committed to complying with all applicable government laws, rules, and regulations.

Suppliers are to strive to provide a workplace free of bribery and corruption by complying with all applicable laws relating to bribery, money, laundering and/or corruption, as well as prohibiting the exchange of money or anything else of value to or from anyone, including government officials, to influence actions or obtain an improper advantage.

All suppliers who will act on behalf of Kimberly-Clark with any governmental agency, foreign or domestic to the United States, must provide a certification of anti-corruption compliance.

CERTIFICATION OF ANTI-CORRUPTION COMPLIANCE

I, __________________________________ [name], a duly authorized representative of __________________________________ [name of agent, representative, or consultant company] (the "Contractor"), do hereby attest and certify for and on behalf of myself and the Contractor, that neither I nor, to my knowledge. any other person, including but not limited to every officer, director, stockholder, employee, representative and agent of the Contractor, has made, offered to make, or agreed to make, any loan, gift, donation or payment, or transfer of any other thing of value, knowing that all or a portion of the money or thing of value would likely be offered or given, directly or indirectly, to a government official in connection with a business activity of the Contractor or any of its wholly or partially owned affiliates (collectively "the Company") to obtain or retain an improper benefit.

For purposes of this Certification, the term "government official" includes:

Any employee or officer of a government, including any federal, regional or local department, agency, or enterprise owned or controlled by a government;

Any official of a political party;

Any official or employee of a public international organization;

Any person acting in an official capacity for, or on behalf of, such entities; and

Any candidate for political office.

I hereby confirm that should I learn of any of the prohibited activities described above, or if there are any changes in the ownership or control of the Contractor, I will immediately advise (Insert name of designated Kimberly-Clark representative or such other person to whom notice should be given].

I hereby confirm that no employee, officer or director of the Contractor is, to my knowledge, a government official.

Supplier Collaboration

We believe that long-term strategic supplier relationships are key to driving innovative solutions that meet our consumer and customer needs. Through our Supplier Collaboration Program, we are committed to becoming a 'Customer of Choice' and partnering with key strategic suppliers to:

improve performance and drive mutual value

deliver new solutions and innovation

drive measurable impacts in quality

unite on social and sustainability standards

develop risk mitigation plans and proactively manage risk

adapt to developed, developing and emerging market conditions

enable business growth

We are proud to partner with strategic suppliers through our Supplier Collaboration Program. By working together, we are accelerating efforts to create value from source to shelf across our supply chain.

Supplier Diversity

At Kimberly-Clark, we recognize our differences make us stronger. Through our diverse network of suppliers, we are cultivating new ideas and experiences, and empowering you to grow your business with us.

We are proud to partner with organizations including the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, and the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce who help us grow our network of certified diverse suppliers. Included in our program are:

Certified minority-owned businesses

Certified woman-owned businesses

Certified lesbian/gay/bi-sexual or transgendered-owned businesses

Certified disadvantaged businesses

Certified HUB Zone businesses

Veteran-owned and service disabled veteran-owned businesses

Small businesses

What We Consider When Establishing New Supplier RelationshipsSourcing decisions vary on individual business needs, potential competitive advantages and underlying business risks. Key considerations include a supplier's ability to:

Be a trusted partner to help us produce quality and value products

Promote the spirit of Kimberly-Clark's safety culture

Provide technology that offers unique protective features and can be the basis for product and process innovations

Offer adequate capacity and flexibility to satisfy the range of our defined needs without interruption or dependency on Kimberly-Clark for long-term contracts or capital commitments

Deliver the best total value in cost and innovation

Exercise mature Continuous Improvement program best practices

Provide diversity to match closely to our consumer base

Demonstrate a proactive risk management program

Supplier Diversity ProfileTo communicate your interest in Kimberly-Clark's Supplier Diversity program and the potential to become a Kimberly-Clark supplier please complete the Supplier Diversity Profile form.

Responsible Supply Chain

At Kimberly-Clark, everything we do is motivated by our vision to lead the world in essentials for a better life. This vision inspires our efforts to improve the lives of people through the products we sell, and to care for the communities where we live and work through the programs that we implement.

We have bold ambitions across five priority areas, and our suppliers are critical to helping us deliver them. We also have several programs focused on social and environmental compliance, risk management and supply chain resiliency - all designed to create more social, environmental, and business value.

Sustainability Compliance

At Kimberly-Clark, we focus on working with our plants and suppliers to meet our social compliance promises supporting human rights, labor rights, employee safety, anti-corruption and environmental protection. Our environmental team members from around the world collaborate to build capabilities, continuously improve our systems and standards, and assess performance gaps in areas including air emissions, chemical management, water and wastewater treatment, and waste management and beyond.

We communicate our expectations for social and environmental compliance to suppliers through our published Supplier Social Compliance Standards and Stewardship of Supplier Standards. Suppliers are asked to sign a Declaration of Compliance.

We invite you to continue to partner with us and share your best thinking and new ways of doing things as we continue to cultivate a responsible and sustainable supply chain.

Risk Management

At Kimberly-Clark we recognize the importance of having a Risk Management program that systematically and proactively identifies events that have the potential to disrupt our supply chain.

Suppliers have an active role in ensuring continuity of supply by working closely with us to identify risks and help develop robust mitigation strategies. Since risks can come in many forms, we also encourage our suppliers to have a risk management program in place at their company and with their suppliers.

Procure-to-Pay

Kimberly-Clark is committed to providing simple and standardized transactional processes for our suppliers around the world. We value our supplier relationships and strive to be easy to do business with in all facets.

Our Procure-to-Pay process starts with requisitioners in our plants or offices, and is facilitated by Purchase Orders being approved and delivered to our Suppliers. Once a Purchase Order has been fulfilled, Kimberly-Clark validates receipt and upon receipt of a valid invoice, initiates a timely payment.

Supplier Portals

We are committed to leveraging smart business practices and technologies that make it easier to do business with us. The ultimate benefit is realized when we mutually thrive through collaborative best practices and innovative solutions, such as web-based applications and tools.

Suppliers activated in one of our online portals may use the quick links here. For our suppliers not currently enrolled, consult your Kimberly-Clark resource for more information on access.